Intro
In this episode of Startalk Radio, the topic of dark skies is explored. The hosts discuss the importance of finding truly dark skies for stargazing, the impact of light pollution, and the wonders of the universe that can be observed in remote locations. They also interview astrophotographer Boback Tafreshi and astronomy ranger Bradley Mills, who share their insights and experiences.
Main Takeaways
Dark Skies and Stargazing
- Dark skies are a topic that is often overlooked.
- Clear skies are abundant in the desert, making it a great location for stargazing.
- Dark skies are not available everywhere, and finding them requires effort.
- There are many more stars visible in a truly dark sky than in a light-polluted one.
- Deserts are usually far away from towns, making them ideal for stargazing.
- Deserts are ideal for stargazing due to their dryness and lack of humidity.
- Water molecules in the atmosphere can cause light from stars to bounce around, creating blurry blobs in the sky.
- The best observatories in the world are located in deserts because of the little rain and few clouds, allowing for clearer views of stars.
- Concentrating starlight into a single point can make faint stars visible.
Stargazing in Nevada
- Nevada is a great state for stargazing due to its centralized city lights and easy access to desert areas.
- Nevada’s Black Rock Desert is a great spot for stargazing due to its remote location and clear skies.
- The Black Rock Observatory brings a portable meter-wide telescope for viewing deep sky objects.
- The Andromeda Galaxy is a popular target for stargazers as it is visible with the naked eye in a good dark sky location.
- Nebulae are beautiful targets for telescopes as they are remnants of stars that have blown off their outer layers.
- Stargazing in the desert offers a perfect balance as you can see space from the rest of the state where city lights are centralized.
- Saturn is the most mystical experience for stargazers who haven’t experienced all of this stuff pretty duously.
- Saturn can be seen through a telescope, even though it’s not as richly displayed as a Hubble photo.
Preserving Dark Skies
- Dark sky sanctuary is a region where there’s regulation about the types of lights that can be within a certain region.
- Expansion of cities is threatening dark skies, and fewer people have access to see the night sky.
- Kids growing up are less and less likely to see more than 100,000 stars, which could lead to a loss of curiosity about the universe.
- Permanent cloud coverage could prevent us from knowing the universe exists beyond it.
- Night sky and curiosity about the universe played a role in inventing and flight.
- Understanding the vastness of the universe amplifies the experience of stargazing.
- PBS Space Time covers astrophysics, astronomy, and quantum mechanics.
- Nevada offers some of the last true dark skies for stargazing.
- Great Basin is one of the 17 international dark sky sanctuaries worldwide.
Astrophotography and Dark Sky Sites
- Boback Tafreshi is an astrophotographer, space photojournalist, and National Geographic Explorer who is also an advocate for night skies and founder of World at Night initiatives.
- Earth’s rotation causes stars to appear as trails in long-exposure photos.
- A device that tracks with Earth’s rotation or a motor attached to a telescope can freeze the motion of stars in photos.
- Tafreshi’s work includes Life at Night, a project for National Geographic Society that highlights the importance of dark skies for animals and the impact of light pollution.
- Light pollution can disrupt the behavior of migratory birds, with over 18% of North American migratory birds flying at night.
- Migratory birds use celestial navigation and landmarks to fly at night, which is safer and more energy efficient for them.
- Light pollution disrupts the navigation system of migratory birds, causing them to fly towards sources of light and often resulting in their death.
- Casinos and other sources of light pollution can be visible from far distances, even up to 220 miles away.
- Sky glow, caused by the reflection of light from dust, air, and clouds, is more intense in lower areas, making mountain tops a good target for stargazing.
- The International Dark Sky Association designates dark sky sites, which are dark enough to see the Milky Way and are some of the best observatories in the world.
Stargazing in National Parks
- National and state parks in the US and Canada are Dark Sky designated locations, making them ideal for stargazing and astrophotography.
- Light pollution map.info and Google Earth’s Atlas of Artificial Skyglow can help identify Dark Sky spots.
- Elevation plays a significant role in finding the darkest skies, even in bright areas.
- Bradley Mills is the lead astronomy ranger at a national park in Nevada.
- The park is the only national park entirely within Nevada.
- The park has a proper research observatory with a 70 centimeter telescope, one of the largest in Nevada.
- The Nevada Northern Railway runs a star train in partnership with the park, where people get to look through telescopes and participate in ranger programs.
- The park has excellent night skies for stargazing.
- All necessary equipment and knowledge is provided for stargazing programs.
- The park is located in the Great Basin desert, which is a great environment for stargazing.
Summary
Exploring Dark Skies and the Wonders of the Universe
Dark skies offer a breathtaking view of the universe, with more stars visible in truly dark locations compared to light-polluted areas. Deserts, such as Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, are ideal for stargazing due to their remote locations and clear skies. Water molecules in the atmosphere can cause light from stars to scatter, creating blurry blobs in the sky. The best observatories in the world are often located in deserts, where little rain and few clouds allow for clearer views of stars. Stargazing in the desert offers a perfect balance between space and city lights.
Preserving dark skies is crucial, as the expansion of cities threatens access to the night sky. Kids growing up with limited exposure to stars may lose curiosity about the universe. Permanent cloud coverage could hinder our understanding of the universe beyond. The night sky has played a role in inventing and flight, and understanding the vastness of the universe enhances the stargazing experience. Nevada offers some of the last true dark skies for stargazing, with the Great Basin designated as an international dark sky sanctuary.
Astrophotography combines art and science communication to highlight the importance of dark skies. Earth’s rotation causes stars to appear as trails in long-exposure photos, and specialized equipment can freeze their motion. Light pollution disrupts the behavior of migratory birds, who rely on celestial navigation. Dark sky sites, including national parks, provide opportunities for stargazing and astrophotography. Elevation plays a significant role in finding the darkest skies, even in bright areas. National parks in Nevada, such as the one entirely within the state, offer excellent night skies for stargazing and educational programs.
Conclusion
Exploring dark skies and experiencing the wonders of the universe is a captivating and educational experience. Finding truly dark locations for stargazing is becoming increasingly important as light pollution threatens access to the night sky. By preserving dark skies and promoting awareness, we can ensure that future generations have the opportunity to marvel at the beauty of the cosmos.
